Individual Health Insurance New York Question & Answers

How may I practice mental health therapy in New York?

Eventually, I would like to practice mental health therapy privately in NewYork State. How may I legally practice in NewYork if I were certified by a school for therapy, but not licensed?

Or course, I have no intention of misrepresenting my services. The option to get certified is more appealing to me due to my circumstances.

Sarah Fields answers:

You do not give enough information to properly answer your question. It would be helpful to know the following:
A. What is the highest degree you earned.
B. What is your degree titled. Example Masters in Pastoral Counseling, Masters in Counseling etc.
C. What state did you get your degree from.
D. What school did you get your degree from.

New York State
1. All licensed professions are regulated by the New York State Department of Education. You may qualify for the category of Mental Health Counselor. Check the NYS Department of Education website for details and qualifications.
2. You may not use any of the license titles that are protected by license unless you are licensed by NYS. So for example, you can not call yourself a social worker, psychologist, mental health counselor as these are protected titles.
2. In New York State you will most likely not qualify for insurance reimbursement, nor will individuals be able to pay you cash and get reimbursement from their insurance co. If you are not a recognized and licensed professional. This point pretty much kicks the idea of private practice out the window.
3. You will find it difficult to obtain employment from an agency as most agencies are looking for insurance reimbursable practitioners.
4. I encourage people to research all of these points before they go for a degree. I can’t tell you how many people get a generic counseling degree then have to go back to school to get a degree that can be licensed.

Jenny asks…

What can be done to improve the economy of upstate New York?

The cities in upstate NewYork have been stagnant or declining for the past 50 years or so. What can be done to improve the local economy of this region, and convert the cities of Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Utica and Albany to bustling urban centers? Do these cities have a strategic value due to their proximity to the Northeast corridor, the heart of Canada and the St. Lawrence Seaway? Could a large scale public works project aimed at improving the shipping capacity of the Great Lakes region, coupled with increased freight capabilities to and from the region and nearby urban centers provide logistical benefits to industry and comerce? All and all, what has to give for these cities to flourish?

Sarah Fields answers:

I’ve read that upstate NY has relatively high taxes for individuals and businesses as well as high costs for utilities, worker’s comp, health insurance and such. These are less of a handicap for NYC but for startup businesses in small cities and towns these can be devastating.

Thomas asks…

How will insurance companies survive if they have to accept people with pre existing conditions?

I believe the health reform guarantees acceptance of all individuals, even if they are being treated for cancer, aids, or other costly and deadly diseases How will insurance companies be able to take such hit in claims, we are talking millions that they presently do not have, where would they get the money to pay those claims

Sarah Fields answers:

Two ways:

1. The same way as they have always survived in states that already require them to accept everyone, such as New York: By charging high prices for insurance.

2. A new way: The reform also requires everyone to get insurance in a few years, even if they are not going to use it. The insurance companies calculated that they would receive enough money from the involuntary customers who will have to pay for insurance, but will not use it, to pay for the treatment of the sick customers.